DRY WELL SHAFT ASSEMBLY

摘要

Disclosed herein are a shaft assembly having a dry well and a gearbox incorporating the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may include a housing having an opening and a lubricant reservoir. A tubular member may be fixed in the opening and extend above a surface of lubricant that collects in the lubricant reservoir during operation. At least one sealing member may be positioned between the tubular member and an inner wall defining the opening. A solid shaft may extend through the tubular member and have an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular member, thereby defining a dry well between the solid shaft and the tubular member. A bearing mount may be arranged about the tubular member and may be removably connected to a gear associated with the solid shaft. A method of assembling a gearbox incorporating the shaft assembly is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A shaft assembly comprising:
a housing having an opening and an inner wall surrounding the opening; a lubricant reservoir within the housing; a tubular member having a first end fixed to the inner wall and a second end spaced from the first end to be positioned above a surface of a lubricant that collects in the lubricant reservoir during operation; a solid shaft extending through the tubular member and having an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular member, thereby defining a dry well between the solid shaft and the tubular member; a gear arranged about the solid shaft and configured to rotate together with the solid shaft; first and second bearings arranged on opposite sides of the gear and configured to rotatably support the solid shaft; and a bearing mount fixed to the gear and arranged about the tubular member, the bearing mount having an outer circumferential surface contacting the first bearing and an axial end surface contacting the gear.